Common Flu Shot Myths Debunked

Common Flu Shot Myths Debunked

Health professionals are asking people to get their flu shots...and want to dispel the myths about them.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) encourages everyone to get their flu shots.

CHFS officials say there have only been eight cases of influenza confirmed as of Monday...but want to prevent more.

And the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department says there are common myths surrounding the flu vaccine that might keep people from getting one.

"The most common one is that you can get sick from the flu vaccine...and that's just not the case," said the health department's communications officer, Kevin Hall.

Hall said other myths include government conspiracies ("We're not putting anything else into the vaccine," he said); that they don't work (Hall said that's certainly not the case); and that they're a cure-all (the flu shot, he said, helps to prevent certain strains...but can't stop everything).

Some people don't get it because of religious beliefs, forgetfulness, or a fear of needles...but doctors and nurses agree that getting vaccinated can help save you AND the ones you love.

"Thousands of individuals get the flu each year, and for some individuals, it's fatal. So we wanna make sure that you're protected and that you protect the others around you," said nurse Jitana Benton-Lee.

For those that cite costs, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is giving away free flu shots on Oct. 12th ('Free Flu Friday'). For more information on that, you can visit this website.